San Francisco County officials are urged to prioritize community services in the upcoming budget discussions, as advocates from various organizations voiced their concerns during a recent government meeting. Key speakers emphasized the need for a careful and principled approach to budget cuts, particularly in light of past experiences during the Great Recession when the city lost a significant number of nonprofits.

Debbie Lerman from the San Francisco Human Services Network highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty, sickness, and homelessness. She called for budget decisions to be made based on community values rather than political pressures, urging the city to protect essential services that contribute to public safety and well-being.

Becky, the contracts and services director at Casa Just Cause, expressed relief over the continued funding for SF Island, which supports immigrant communities through outreach and legal services. She emphasized the critical role these services play in maintaining safety and education within the community.

Vanessa Cibrian, a staff attorney at the Justice and Diversity Center, stressed the necessity of funding legal representation for low-income immigrants. She argued that such support not only aids victims of crime but also enhances community safety by reducing vulnerability to exploitation.

Isan Looper, director of community organizing for the Tenderloin Community Benefit District, pointed out the lack of youth leadership and workforce development programs in the area. He called for increased investment in these initiatives to foster a safer environment for families and children.

Carl Kramer, co-chair of the Budget Justice Coalition, reiterated the collective stance of various organizations advocating for a budget that reflects the needs of the community. He emphasized the importance of a People's Budget that prioritizes essential services over politically motivated decisions.

As San Francisco prepares for its budget deliberations, the voices of community advocates underscore the critical need for thoughtful investment in services that support the most vulnerable populations, ensuring a safer and more equitable city for all residents.